Resurfaced Footage of Democratic Candidate Aftyn Behn Sparks Political Firestorm in Tennessee’s TN-7 Race
A significant political clash is unfolding in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District as resurfaced footage of Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn has ignited controversy. The video, which emerged over Thanksgiving weekend, captures a tense moment from 2019 when Behn was forcibly removed by police from Governor Bill Lee’s office during a disruptive protest. She is now vying for a congressional seat in the closely watched special election on December 2.
The footage shows Behn, then an outspoken progressive activist, being dragged out of the Capitol by authorities amid her tears and screams during a sit-in demanding the resignation of GOP State Rep. David Byrd, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct. One social media post stated, “Police had to DRAG her out like a child.” Such imagery has struck a chord, surfacing just as early voting kicks off.
Today, Behn stands as the Democratic nominee for the TN-7 seat, vacated by former Republican Rep. Mark Green. Her opponent, Matt Van Epps, has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump and champions themes of law and order, bolstered by a conservative economic agenda.
The backdrop of Behn’s protest in 2019 adds layers to her campaign narrative. On April 17, she and fellow activists entered the Capitol, confronting Governor Lee regarding Byrd’s alleged conduct. Blocked by security, the group staged a sit-in that ultimately led to Behn’s dramatic removal. This incident, now over four years old, has resurfaced at a pivotal moment, calling attention to Behn’s past and raising questions about her political demeanor.
Since the video went viral, Behn’s campaign has remained quiet on the incident, but her past comments have drawn scrutiny. In 2023, she described aspects of Tennessee as “racist” and “godforsaken,” and previously expressed, “I hate Nashville.” Such statements have been seized upon by critics, who argue they showcase an extreme mindset.
Delanie Bomar, spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, stated, “Tennesseans deserve a representative who respects the law and doesn’t shout down lawful government proceedings.” Such comments reflect a broader Republican strategy to portray Behn’s actions as indicative of her fitness for office. A salient critique from GOP-aligned commentators warned, “Do NOT let this psycho take a seat in the U.S. House!” highlighting the narrative that Behn’s past behavior disqualifies her from leadership.
Supporters, however, see the 2019 protest as a valid expression of civil disobedience aimed at holding officials accountable. They argue that the historical context of Byrd’s admission of “inappropriate conduct” should not diminish Behn’s intent at that protest. Yet, the dramatic imagery of her being removed from the Governor’s office obscures this message, creating a focal point in the election.
As the TN-7 race gains attention, national Democrats appear to recognize the implications of this contest. A notable deployment of former Vice President Kamala Harris to Nashville last November signaled their commitment to supporting Behn in what has traditionally been a Republican stronghold. Despite the challenges, the attention from national Democrats suggests they see potential for a shift in this conservative district.
The environment surrounding this election is charged. While Behn works to galvanize support through grassroots efforts, the optics of her past protests may weigh heavily in a district historically leaning Republican. With Trump’s endorsement of Van Epps strengthening GOP resolve, the backdrop of the race continues to frame Behn in a light defined by her past conduct.
The 2019 protest footage, resurfacing at such a critical moment, echoes broader themes about the fight for political representation in Tennessee. Political observers note how rapidly the dynamics of special elections can change, particularly in areas with lower turnout.
On one hand, Behn’s past statements may empower her opponents to build a narrative that emphasizes her perceived disconnection from Tennessee values. Conversely, national Democrats maintain that these attacks are little more than partisan distractions, focusing on Behn’s message of “justice” and “accountability.” Yet, they have not directly confronted either her inflammatory remarks or the implications of her past protests—an oversight that may haunt her in the final stretch leading to Election Day.
The Secretary of State reports that early voting trends in TN-7 are slightly above expectations for a special election, yet still lag behind typical general election participation. As December 2 approaches, the urgency intensifies for both campaigns.
Amidst the turbulence, Van Epps has anchored his campaign around themes of energy independence, law enforcement, and border security, resonating with core voter concerns. His framing positions Behn as a figure of “chaos politics” in a landscape where stability is prized.
As voters prepare to make a decision this December, they are confronted with a stark contrast: a Trump-endorsed candidate emphasizing order and experience against a progressive activist whose most viral moment paints a dramatic picture of confrontational politics. The fallout from the tweet calling Behn “psycho” succinctly captures the heightened stakes of this race.
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